The Dell XCD28 priced at Rs. 11,000 and XCD35 priced at Rs. 17,000.

Computer maker Dell is now stepping into the smartphone space with two mid-range Android smartphones.

The XCD28 and XCD35 are not made by Dell, but just branded by the company. These are originally made by a company called ZTE. These handsets are also available in India – the XCD28 is called the ZTE Racer and the XCD35 is known as the ZTE Blade. The handsets are sold under various brand names in other countries as well.

Both the models will sport the Android 2.1 Éclair operating system. The Dell XCD28 comes with a 2.8 inch LCD touchscreen, while the XCD35 has a larger 3.5 inch capacitive touchscreen. Both models support high-speed 3G connectivity, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Related: Android phones in India

Photo: The Dell XCD35 comes with a 3.5 inch screen

The phones have very little on-board memory, with the XCD28 storing up to 256MB internally. However, memory can be enhanced up to 16 GB or 32 GB using micro-SD cards. FM Radio, full browser and e-mail synchronization are standard features on the phones. Both phones feature 3.2 megapixel cameras and a 3.5 mm audio jack.

Since the phones are based on the Android platform, the range of functions they could perform is huge, as both have access to the Android marketplace to download free (or paid) apps.

In addition to the features present on the XCD28, the XCD35 also has built-in GPS, with sat-nav capabilities.

At the press conference to unveil these phones, Mahesh Bhalla, general manager, consumer and SMB, Dell India said: “Dell has played a critical role in transforming computing, enabling more affordable and more pervasive access to technology around the world. With today’s launch, we extend the same pioneering edge to the smartphones market starting with the XCD series.”

Dell says it is planning to bring in a whole range of Internet access products in all screen sizes, be it laptops, tablets or smartphones. The Dell Streak for instance bridges the gap between a smartphone and a tablet. Related: Hottest Android phones

While the XCD28 goes on sale immediately, the XCD35 will be available from December onward.